Dealing with blood stains in carpet can be an unsettling experience. However, with the right cleaning methods and products, you can often remove or minimize the appearance of blood stains and restore your carpet to its original condition. This article provides helpful step-by-step instructions for tackling blood stains in carpet.
Act Quickly for Best Results
When blood makes contact with carpet fibers, it begins to coagulate and dry quickly. The faster you can treat a blood stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely.
Aim to treat blood stains within 24 hours for the best chance of removal. After blood has dried and set into carpet fibers for over 24 hours, it becomes much more challenging to remove.
Steps to Take Within the First 24 Hours:
- Blot up any wet blood immediately with white paper towels or a clean white cloth. Apply pressure and lift vertically to draw blood up from the carpet fibers.
- Mix a solution of cold water and dish soap. Use a ratio of 2 teaspoons of dish soap per 1 cup of cold water. Stir to combine.
- Lightly spritz the soapy solution directly onto the blood stain. Avoid saturating the carpet.
- Blot continuously with clean white towels or cloths to draw up the blood. Replace towels when they become saturated.
- Once the stain appears removed, spritz the area with clean cold water and blot again to rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry the carpet fully before walking on it. Rotating fans can help speed drying.
- If any faint staining remains, move onto enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide treatment next.
Enzyme Cleaner Treatment
Using an enzyme-based carpet cleaner is an effective way to break down and lift blood stains from carpet fibers. Look for products specially formulated for blood stains.
Follow instructions carefully and allow proper dwell time for the enzymes to work. Typically:
- Apply enzyme cleaner directly to the stain. Use an applicator brush to work it in.
- Let dwell for 5-10 minutes. Do not rub or blot during this time.
- Blot gently with white towels until stain is lifted. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean cold water and blot dry.
- Repeat as needed for stubborn stains. Over-wetting can dilute cleaner.
- Allow carpet to fully air dry before walking on it.
Helpful Tips for Enzyme Cleaners:
- Check label for proper dwell time. Enzymes need time to work.
- Avoid using steam, heat, or vacuuming, which can denature enzymes.
- Store enzyme cleaner properly between uses. Heat and moisture can make it ineffective.
Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective cleaning agent for blood stains because it helps lift and whiten. Use a 3% solution.
To Treat with Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Mix a 50/50 solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and cold water.
- Spray or blot solution directly onto the blood stain.
- Let dwell for 2-5 minutes so peroxide can bubble and lift stain.
- Blot continuously with clean white towels.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water once stain is removed.
- Allow to air dry fully before walking on carpet.
Hydrogen peroxide can sometimes bleach or discolor certain carpet fibers, so test in an inconspicuous area first.
Ammonia Treatment
For older, set-in blood stains, try an ammonia treatment. The alkaline ammonia helps break down remaining blood proteins.
To Clean with Ammonia:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia with 1 cup of cold water.
- Apply mixture directly to stain and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Blot continuously with clean white towels.
- If stain remains, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water and allow to fully air dry.
Do not use ammonia on wool carpet or carpeting treated with stain-resistant coating. Test first in an inconspicuous spot. Never mix ammonia with bleach or acid.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
For blood stains that prove very stubborn, call in a professional carpet cleaning service. Professional-grade equipment can apply more powerful enzymatic cleaners and suction more effectively.
Ask specifically for truck-mounted steam cleaning services. Truck-mounted units are more powerful than portable carpet cleaners. The truck’s engine powers both hot water cleaning and powerful suction for fluid extraction.
Professional steam cleaning sanitizes carpets by using very hot water and strong suction. This hot water extraction method is ideal for drawing out chronic blood stains from deep in carpet fibers.
For the best results, hire professional carpet cleaners within 24-48 hours of a blood spill on your carpets. Older, set-in stains are harder to eliminate.
Alternate Treatment Options
For blood stains that resist other methods, consider trying:
- Non-chlorine bleach – Mix 20 parts water and 1 part non-chlorine bleach. Let solution dwell for 5 minutes before blotting and rising.
- Ammonia + detergent – Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia, 1 tsp clear dish soap and 1 cup cold water. Apply and blot repeatedly.
- Oxygen-based whitening cleaners like OxiClean – Mix with water to form paste. Let paste dwell for 30+ minutes before rinsing clean.
- Meat tenderizer – Make a paste with unseasoned meat tenderizer and cold water. Let dwell 15-30 minutes.
- Vinegar – Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water. Spray onto stain and blot.
Always test cleaning solutions first on a small, inconspicuous area of carpet to check for discoloration or damage. Certain treatments can bleach or damage fibers if left too long.
Tips for Avoiding Blood Stains
Minimizing exposure to blood spills can help avoid permanent staining of your carpets:
- Cover high-traffic carpet areas with washable area rugs or carpet runners. These absorb impact and are easier to clean.
- Apply a stain-resistant carpet protector like Scotchgard, which repels liquid. Re-apply every 6 months.
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed to avoid excessive scratching that breaks skin.
- Address children’s nosebleeds over sinks or towels, not carpet.
- Clean up food spills quickly to avoid attracting rodents who may leave droppings.
Common Questions About Blood Stains in Carpet
How does blood set into carpet?
When blood makes contact with carpet fibers, it coagulates and bonds to the fibers as it dries. The hemoglobin and proteins in blood create stubborn stains. Acting quickly while blood is still wet allows for easier removal before it dries and sets into fibers.
What temperature water should be used on blood stains?
Always use cold water, never hot. Hot water causes blood to coagulate and bond more stubbornly to carpet fibers. Cold water allows blood to remain liquid for easier removal by blotting or diluted cleaner solutions.
Can I speed up carpet drying after cleaning blood stain?
Yes. Always fully air dry carpet after cleaning blood stains. Place fans nearby to circulate air across the carpet’s surface. The fibers need to dry completely to avoid mold or mildew growth. Avoid walking on damp carpet.
What if I can still see a faint blood stain after cleaning?
Re-treat any faint stains that remain using hydrogen peroxide, enzyme cleaner, or professional carpet cleaner again. With repeated applications, you can often fully lift residual staining. If traces remain only visible in certain lighting, try moving furniture or a rug to cover the area.
Can I prevent future blood stains?
Yes! Apply a liquid repellent treatment like Scotchgard to create a protective barrier against future stains. Clean up food spills quickly to prevent attracting mice. Keep pets’ nails trimmed. Address children’s nosebleeds over a sink when possible.
Conclusion
Dealing with blood stains in carpeting and upholstery can certainly be challenging. However, through quick action and the right cleaning methods, you can often achieve full removal or minimize any lasting signs of the stain. Always start by blotting fresh stains immediately before blood has time to dry. Then treat with cold water, dish soap, enzyme cleaners, hydrogen peroxide or ammonia as soon as possible. For stubborn stains, call in professional carpet cleaners within 48 hours. With persistence and the right products, you can keep your home looking fresh and clean.